Level 4

Assessor Coach

Apprenticeship

The Assessor Coach (AC) is a dual professional, using their up-to-date professional knowledge and skills to support vocational and professional development across the formal ETS as well as in any employer setting, and at any level. They may, for example, coach and assess apprentices, trainees, or new recruits (ranging from young entrants to new CEO’s) in the workplace, commensurate with their own level of experience and qualifications, as required by their employer or their sector.

AC’s coach and assess vocational learners, usually on a one-to-one basis, in a range of learning environments. Coaching skills involve complex communication techniques to actively listen, provide feedback and to engage learners in planning their individualised learning programme. These skills are also integral to assessing learners’ competence in-relation to work-related/industry standards and life skills.

AC’s work co-operatively with other ETS or professionals (such as teachers, human resource professionals and mentors/supervisors in the workplace) in supporting the learner’s development of vocational competence and the wider skills that relate to employability and professionalism.

Aims of this qualification

The aim of this qualification is to support the learners understanding of the 3 key areas covering Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours.

 

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS BEHAVIOUR
Procedures for planning,
coaching and assessment
Plan coaching and assessment Inspire, motivate, & raise learners’
aspirations through passion for the sector
Effective coaching practice Deliver coaching support Operate at all times to ethical and legal
standards & within professional boundaries
Effective vocational assessment Assess learners Model and encourage mutual respect,
displaying a deep understanding of equality
and diversity, with and between learners,
colleagues and appropriate agencies
Ways to support quality
improvement
Support quality improvement Be resilient and adaptable when dealing
with challenge and change, maintaining
focus and self-control
    Value the importance of maths, English, and
ICT skills in the learners’ future economic
and social well-being
    Evaluate and improve professional practice
in relation to the Professional Standards for
Teachers and Educators in the Education
and Training Sector

Learning outcomes:

For the full apprenticeship, apprentices will complete:

  • Level 4 Assessor Coach Apprenticeship Standard
  • Level 1 Safeguarding Qualification
  • Level 2 Functional Skills in maths
  • Level 2 Functional Skills in English
  • Level 2 Skills in ICT

Job Roles this qualification is suitable for:

Examples of a job role this qualification is suitable for but not limited to are Assessor and Coach.

On Programme Learning:

On-programme assessment of knowledge, skills and behaviour will lead to the final synoptic end-point assessment.

How is it delivered:

Apprentices will be allocated a qualified Tutor to support the full completion of the apprenticeship and prepare them for end-point assessment (sometimes 2 Tutors will be required at different times for teaching different elements). The Tutor will undertake engaging and interactive teaching, learning and support sessions with the Apprentice on a regular basis (at least every 4-5 weeks) remotely via Zoom or in the workplace if appropriate to conduct teaching, learning and assessments. These will be planned with the Apprentice and Employer.

The Tutor will manage a portfolio of evidence using an online electronic system called OneFile and give regular updates about progress. Apprentices can contact their Tutor in between visits to discuss any aspect of their qualification and will be able to access their online portfolio 24/7.

How long will it take to complete?

The Institute for Apprenticeships have mandated a minimum period of 15 months on programme before entering gateway therefore this qualification will be a minimum of 18 months including EPA.

Entry requirements:

Individual employers may set any entry requirements which may include:

  • (As a dual-professional) – A qualification, at an appropriate level, and relevant up-to-date experience in the candidate’s vocational/subject specialism.
  • Many candidates will already possess a Level 3 qualification in Assessing. Depending on the specific education and training context, employers (and/or Awarding Organisations) may require candidates without an Assessor qualification, to achieve this prior to completion of their apprenticeship.

Candidates may have achieved maths, English, and ICT skills at Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE Grade C, or above) prior to commencing their training. Those that have not must achieve this prior to taking the end-point assessment.

Assessment Gateway:

Before the apprentice is adjudged ready to undertake the end-point assessment by
their employer and learning provider, they will need to:

  • Complete the mandatory Level 1 Safeguarding qualification
  • Pass the Level 2 maths, English, and ICT skills.
  • Submit a showcase portfolio that demonstrates their exemplar practice in achieving the Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours through the 6 Themes/Synoptic areas identified in the standard.
  • Complete a learning journal and obtain 360-degree feedback
  • Have been observed by an appropriate person undertaking their coaching role

The purpose of the end point assessment is to test (in a synoptic way) the skills,
knowledge and behaviours of the apprentice as set out in the apprenticeship standard.

End-point assessment provides apprentices with a showcase opportunity to provide oral and documentary evidence of their knowledge, skills and behaviours developed throughout the apprenticeship. Enables the independent assessor to assess the skills and behaviours of the apprentice by observing the apprentice in the course of their normal work. Tests the knowledge acquired by the apprentice throughout the apprenticeship.

End Point Assessment:

An End-Point Assessment will be carried out by staff from an independent End-point assessment provider approved by the Register of Apprenticeship Organisation.

The End-point Assessment will comprise of two components. Both components must be individually passed for the Apprentice to be deemed competent:

1) Assessor Coach Observations (ACO’s): This includes two Assessor Coach sessions with a minimum of two different learners, totalling 120 minutes. The observation will involve learners who will be taking part in a genuine coaching/assessing session, not role playing. It will usually be a one-to-one session, but group coaching/assessing session may also be observed; other learners will not be present during these observations. Following the Assessor Coach Observations, the Independent Assessor, following advice from the S/SA where necessary, will question the apprentice to clarify any specific sector/specialist practice/s arising from the observation.

2) Professional Discussion (PD): The PD will involve questioning, informed by the previously submitted Showcase, mapping or cross referencing the apprentice’s practice to the relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours and the themes within the AC Standard. The PD session will last for a maximum of 60 minutes with a variance of 10% allowed.

Grading Assessor Coach Observations (ACO’s) – Pass/Distinction
Grading for Professional Discussion (PD) – Pass/Distinction

Progression routes :

The Assessor Coach may be eligible to progress onto a full teaching role within an
education and training provider organisation.

We at Pier Training would be very happy to discuss any aspect of this or any other Apprenticeship Qualification you may be interested in.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch, we look forward to hearing from you.